Vacant Lot Maintenance: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do vacant lot maintenance rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Vacant and rural lots in unincorporated Pierce County fall under Code Chapter 8.08, which makes accumulated solid waste, junk vehicles, abandoned appliances and unsecured hazards public nuisances regardless of whether the parcel is occupied. Owners remain responsible for abatement costs under PCC 8.08.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Vacant and rural lots in unincorporated Pierce County fall under Code Chapter 8.08, which makes accumulated solid waste, junk vehicles, abandoned appliances and unsecured hazards public nuisances regardless of whether the parcel is occupied. Owners remain responsible for abatement costs under PCC 8.08.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Code | PCC Ch. 8.08 | PCC Ch. 8.08 |
| Covers appliances/pits | PCC 8.08.050(E) | PCC 8.08.050(E) |
| Owner pays abatement | PCC 8.08.010(E) | PCC 8.08.010(E) |
| Applies to | Unincorporated lots | Unincorporated lots |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
I own an empty rural lot. Am I responsible for dumped trash?
Yes. Under PCC 8.08.010(E) the landowner is responsible for abating nuisances on the parcel, though the person who dumped can be charged with a misdemeanor under PCC 8.32.020.
Are open pits or tanks on a vacant lot regulated?
Yes. PCC 8.08.050(E) declares unsecured excavations, pits, cisterns, storage tanks and abandoned appliances to be public nuisances.
Tacoma FAQ
I own an empty rural lot. Am I responsible for dumped trash?
Yes. Under PCC 8.08.010(E) the landowner is responsible for abating nuisances on the parcel, though the person who dumped can be charged with a misdemeanor under PCC 8.32.020.
Are open pits or tanks on a vacant lot regulated?
Yes. PCC 8.08.050(E) declares unsecured excavations, pits, cisterns, storage tanks and abandoned appliances to be public nuisances.
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